Everyone needs a graceful go-to dress in her closet — and we made sure this one is feminine without being fussy. The surplice bodice wraps smoothly across the front, and the skirt floats gracefully for a very flattering silhouette. * Extended cap sleeves * Knee length * Cotton/rayon/spandex; lined skirt * Imported

An update to one of our all-time favorite shapes, this goddess-like dress has great drape with a romantic surplice neck and a single cascade of ruffles down the front. * Deep V-neck front to back * Sleeveless * Knee length * Lightweight cotton/rayon/spandex; lined bodice * Skirt lined in nylon tricot * Imported

Graceful lines give this surplice number the go-anywhere flexibility to take you from work mode to party mood — whether you go for classic black or a statement-making print...or both. In our favorite viscose jersey that drapes the body beautifully. * Three-quarter sleeves * Knee length * Viscose/elastane; lined * Imported

We narrowed the silhouette of our favorite flirty party dress a smidge: less gathering at the bodice and a less full (but still floaty) skirt. With a graceful gathered knot at the top and a host of pretty prints, it's the kind of ladylike dress you'll wear again and again, whether to weddings or garden parties. * Low V-neckline * Cap sleeves * Fitted bodice * Knee length * Lightweight cotton/rayon/...

This top-rated dress is a Garnet Hill Kids' classic. The reason? In pretty new prints season after season, it's supersoft yet terrifically tough with reinforced, gathered tiers. It has a full, flared silhouette that's as comfy as it is cute. And it washes and wears so well that parents often tell us it gets years and years of happy wear. Now in organic cotton, it just gets cozier and more appealing...

We're drawn to a shift that knows how to shift gears — from season to season, daytime to date night. Our minimalist version has a straight silhouette and a series of seams at the waist, front to back, that define the body beautifully. The fabrication ups the elegance factor (crêpe = drape). * Sleeveless * Knee length * Poly/viscose/spandex crêpe * Imported

Lace, unlaced — our relaxed and super-easy silhouette gives lace a life beyond the party-dress trope. From its pull-on styling to its tonal lining, this dress has an Indie spirit. And the lining stops short of the scalloped hem for a peek of sheerness just where you'd want it. * Front and back scoop neckline * Bust and back darts * Waistline has a bit of elastic for give * Knee length, with s...

MADE BY EILEEN FISHER FOR GARNET HILL The basic knit dress in soft certified organic cotton with a little Lycra® to maintain its flattering A-line shape. With its graceful ballet neck and cap sleeves, it's a versatile style that can be dressed up or down. * By Eileen Fisher * Knee length * Certified organic cotton with Lycra® * USA

Our quintessential cool-weather dress gives modern placement to classic cable knit, with designs on the front and back bodice and out-facing sleeves. In the coziest blend of cotton and merino wool, its dress-up-or-down versatility makes it a piece she can (and will!) wear anywhere and everywhere. Slightly sheer; we suggest wearing with a camisole or tank. * Semi-fitted * Crew neckline * Long sleeve...

Crafted to stand out at the party and to hold up at the playground, this princess-approved dress is a comfy mix of a stretch cotton jersey bodice with a striped-organza skirt and sleeves. Finished with a unique bow detail in front. * By Rachel Riley * Crew neckline * Cap sleeves * Fitted bodice with pleating * Back keyhole with button closure * Gathered waist * Flared skirt * Knee length * Bodice: ...